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A Natural History & Wildlife Voyage Aboard the M/V Aria
Type of Trip: Cruise Length: 10 days, 7 days Season: April – December Rating: Grade I
The mystique and allure of the Amazon beckons those who are fascinated with the natural world. The Peruvian Amazon is home to the most biologically diverse wildlife on earth. Over 25,000 plant species have been identified in Amazonia and it is hypothesized at least as many remain yet undiscovered. This 8-day Amazon river cruise voyage takes us deep into the heart of the world’s greatest wilderness through an ever-changing vista of lush tropical rainforest. Our elegant riverboat, the M/V Aria, plies these waters with grace, affording superb wildlife viewing from her observation deck. Enjoy expertly-guided daily excursions and savor gourmet meals in utmost comfort as the Amazonian landscape drifts by. A shorter, 7-day version of this itinerary is also available, featuring a 5-day Amazon River cruise.
Trip Highlights:
- Spot aquatic wonders such as the pink river dolphin
- Partake in night expeditions to experience the nocturnal wildlife that inhabits the region
- Explore narrow tributaries aboard aluminum skiffs in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
- Search for some of the 13 species of primates found in the Reserve, including tamarins, howlers, capuchin, squirrel, and pigmy marmoset monkeys.
- Visit ribereños (river dwellers) in their villages and meet local subsistence farmers
- Experience sustainable resource management projects
- Cast your fishing line for sharp-toothed piranha
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: LIMA
Arrive to Lima this evening and spend the night in Miraflores.DAY 2: LIMA / IQUITOS / AMAZON RIVER
Morning at leisure in Lima, then flight to Iquitos and drive to the port of Nauta to board the M/V Aria to begin your 7-night cruise.DAY 3: AMAZON RIVER / YARAPA RIVER / UCAYALI RIVER
First tour on the skiffs along the Amazon River looking for wildlife. Lunch on board. Afternoon canoeing and swimming at Lake Clavero.DAY 4: YANALLPA / DORADO RIVER / PACAYA-SAMIRIA RESERVE
Morning exploration of the Amazon flooded forest within the Reserve. Peruvian cooking lesson on board before lunch. Afternoon journey through the “Forest of Mirrors” due to its dark lagoons that reflect the scenery, observe parrots, macaws and a variety of primates.DAY 5: BIRTHPLACE OF THE AMAZON / NAUTA TOWN
Locate the headwaters of the Amazon River, where the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers merge. Visit local villagers in this remote part of the Amazon and learn about the medicinal value of jungle plants. Afternoon walk around Nauta and visit the Sapi Sapi Lagoon.DAY 6: YANAYACU / MARAÑON RIVER / PACAYA-SAMIRIA RESERVE
Explore the Yanayacu – Pucate River within the Reserve looking for freshwater pink dolphins. Afternoon ride the skiffs in search of wildlife until sunset including howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys. A delicious dinner is served back on board.DAY 7: SAMIRIA RIVER / NAUTA CAÑO / PACAYA-SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Encounter wildlife in the jungle and look for the magnificent Ceiba tree followed by canoeing and swimming in the Samiria River. Afternoon at Nauta Caño which is part of the Reserve, search for toucans, macaws, monkeys, and iguanas, among other species.DAY 8: MARAÑON RIVER / TAHUAYO RIVER / AMAZON RIVER
Sail along the Marañon River watching the different species of flora and fauna and go for a nature hike. Afternoon exploration of the Tahuayo River, possibly spotting of terns, tropical songbirds, pipites, black collared hawks and sloth. Fish for piranha. Gourmet farewell dinner on board.DAY 9: AMAZON RIVER / NAUTA / IQUITOS / LIMA
Final morning wildlife excursion. Disembark, drive to tour Iquitos and the Manatee Rescue Center. Flight back to Lima, board overnight flight home.DAY 10: USA
Make your onward connections home.Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF) With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.
Departures
On Request, for any week during the April through December season.
Contact us for availability. Plan ahead to secure your space! Read more about booking a cruise with Southwind.2024 Land Cost (1st Deck Suite)
2-3 participants: from $8,900 p.p.d.
4-12 participants: from $8,800 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $2,400p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.
Note: A shorter, 7-day itinerary is available from $5,250 p.p.d.
Upper or Second Deck Suites are also available, please see the PDF below for those rates.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF) With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Lima Upgrade Option: JW Marriott Hotel
Enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean against the shoreline at one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top-20 Latin American hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. This 5-Star facility has a prime location near the Larcomar shopping and entertainment center, and all the features you would expect from a luxury property.
M/V Aria
This elegant, stylish 130-foot flagship, designed by renowned Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, is the finest vessel cruising the Peruvian Amazon. The luxurious riverboat features large outward-facing panoramic windows and en suite sitting areas. All suites are air conditioned.
Amazon: Cruise Vessels
Southwind Adventures works with a select few Amazon cruise vessels, carefully choosing the foremost ships operating on the Peruvian Amazon River. To ensure the best quality experience for our travelers, we select leading cruise vessels based on the following criteria: safety, comfort, guides and itineraries.
Amazon Lodges
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco or Lima
Season: April to December
Families and travelers with limited time, who want a taste of the Amazon Basin rainforests, will enjoy the Reserva Amazonica or Sandoval Lake lodges, 45 min by motor boat from Puerto Maldonado.Lake Titicaca Tour
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to November
For those who want to experience authentic Quechua culture first-hand and feel like you’ve traveled back in time, nothing beats a visit with a family on Taquile Island.Arequipa and Colca Canyon
Length: 5 days/4 nights from Lima
Season: Mid-April to mid-November
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Since its walls are not as vertical, the valley is filled with small towns that preserve their traditions.Paracas Reserve
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
A visit to Paracas is a journey to one of South America’s most important protected coastal-marine systems. Whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters are just a few the 36 species of marine and land mammals found in the reserve.Manu Biosphere Reserve
Length: 5 Days/4 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to October
For travelers wanting to maximize their wildlife viewing opportunities in a short extension, few places in the Amazon Basin can compete with Manu National Park in southeastern Peru. It is considered to be one of the most pristine and important rainforest reserves on the planet!Northern Peru
Length: 4 days/3 nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
Long before the Incas controlled the country, sophisticated cultures existed along the Peruvian coast; and northern Peru is one of the best destinations for visiting the remains of their cities. Moche sites including the renowned Lord of Sipan and the pyramids.Nazca Lines Tour
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Lima
Season: Year-round
The mysterious lines etched into the coastal plains near the town of Nazca have fascinated scientists, archaeologists and visitors for decades. Best viewed from the air, Nazca figures such as the monkey, fish, hands and whale are highlights.Carnal Ruins
Length: 2 days/1 night from Lima
Season: Year-round
In 2001 researchers stunned the archaeological community by carbon-dating the ruins at Caral back to 2627 BC. Step back in time to an early civilization while touring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Testimonials
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“The trip was fantastic. Everything went smoothly and was better than I expected. The Aqua Expeditions crew and accommodations were five star. I already recommended Southwind and Aqua to two interested friends. Thanks for arranging the trip of a lifetime.”
Bonnie Wheaton – Chicago, IL
★★★★★ -
“We enjoyed this trip tremendously! Berner (our guide) was very special! He seemed to know every plant, bird, insect and other animals and he knew four names for many of them: Latin, Spanish, English and Quechua or Machiguenga. He made sure we were safe and happy and his love and respect for nature was evident always.”
Patricia Dahle – Lancaster, CA
★★★★★ -
“Southwind is probably one of the most friendly, efficient, and caring organizations we have encountered in 40 years of travel. My only recommendation is that you continue doing what you have been doing. We have seen more personal attention in our brief dealing with you than with any other travel company. Our best wishes for your continued success. We hope to use your services again soon.”
Dr. Alex & Janet Ciegler – Columbia, SC
★★★★★